Why Aaron Boone Will Arrive Late for the Yankees' Series Opener Against the Orioles on Tuesday



NEW YORK – Yankees manager Aaron Boone will be a late arrival for the start of the crucial series against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.

Boone is attending his son Brandon's high school graduation ceremony, temporarily placing bench coach Brad Ausmus in charge.

Ausmus, who has experience as a former big-league catcher, managed the Detroit Tigers from 2014 to 2017 and the Los Angeles Angels in 2019.

Boone informed Ausmus that he plans to return "sometime later" Tuesday evening, though he didn't provide an exact time.

"He will not make it back for the start of the game," Ausmus said of Boone. "We're kind of expecting him at some point, depending on New York City traffic, mid-to-late game."

This will be an important test for the Yankees, as they look to maintain their momentum in a highly competitive division, and for Ausmus, who brings significant managerial experience to this temporary role.

"He wants to attend the graduation, see his son afterward, take some pictures, and then head back to the Stadium. But he assured us he's definitely returning."

Boone arrived in the sixth inning of the Yankees' 4-2 win, learning about Aaron Judge's hand injury during a phone call with GM Brian Cashman, who provided play-by-play updates as Boone drove to the Stadium.

Judge was hit by a pitch and had to leave the game, but X-rays and a CT scan came back negative. The Yankees' captain hopes to play on Wednesday.

In Boone's absence, Ausmus handled Tuesday night's lineup card, which featured the MLB debut of first baseman/catcher Ben Rice, a fellow Dartmouth College alum.

Rice, an exciting 25-year-old lefty-hitting prospect, was called up to replace veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who was placed on the injured list Tuesday due to a right forearm fracture. The Yankees estimate an eight-week recovery period for Rizzo.

Before the Yankees (50-24), holding a 1.5-game lead in the AL East, left Boston to start their three-game series against the second-place Orioles (47-24), Boone praised the Orioles for being a well-rounded team.

"They've faced some injuries in their rotation, but their depth has really helped them,'' Boone said. "They continue to get strong starting pitching, close out games effectively, and boast a versatile and dynamic offense.

"They're a complete team, no doubt about it.''

Earlier this season, the Orioles won three of four games against the Yankees at Camden Yards from April 29 to May 2.

"Both teams have proven themselves to be quite formidable," Boone commented. "However, it's a long season, and that old cliché rings true. We still have a lot of ground to cover.

"Both teams are highly skilled, formidable, and packed with potential."